Bagnoles de l'Orne

Visit Bagnoles de l'Orne, Normandy

Bagnoles de l'Orne is a long established resort in the south of the Orne department of Normandy, east of Domfront and south-west from Argentan.

The town developed and prospered around its thermal spa waters and the health benefits they provide, above all with the building of the 'Grand Hotel' and the associated lake, gardens and other facilities in the last decades of the 19th century.

Exploring Bagnoles

As a consequence the town has a great deal of interesting 19th century architecture to enjoy, and its position on a lake further adds to the appeal of Bagnoles de l'Orne. It has successfully attracted tourists for well over 100 years and continues to be a popular destination.

It is the numerous examples of 'belle-epoque' (approx 1886-1914) architecture for which Bagnoles de l'Orne is best known and there are particularly fine examples in the 'quartier belle-epoque' (now a protected zone to restrict future development) towards the south of the town. There are about 50 impressive villas dating from this period in the town.

The 'belle-epoque' style came to an end with the First World War, to be replaced when the war ended by the new 'art-deco' style, also well represented in Bagnoles - the most notable example is the casino next to the lake, and visit also the Church of Saint John the Baptist built around the same time.

The historic centre of the town, before it was developed for tourism and hence the oldest part of Bagnoles de l'Orne, is now the 'Quartier Tessé', and is also a pleasant region for a stroll.

The spa waters are still a popular attraction  - see thermes-bagnoles for details of the many health and relaxation options available if you are visiting to unwind.

Bagnoles de l'Orne also pays a lot of attention to its flowers and gardens and there are several pleasant parks here including the gardens of the lake and thermal centre, and also an arboretum with an impressive range of trees from around the world.

Attractions nearby

The region around the town includes a large forested area (Andaines Forest), and is very popular with walkers and cyclists enjoying the southern Normandy countryside.

Note: Bagnoles de l'Orne photo is copyright

See Normandy and Orne (the region and department for Bagnoles de l'Orne) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Bagnoles de l'Orne: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*;

Suggested places to visit near Bagnoles de l'Orne, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Argentan 37km; Alencon 40km; Falaise 42km; Evron 44km; Vire 47km;

Bagnoles de l'Orne tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Normandie-Maine - regional natural parc (16km) : Carrouges Chateau - national monument (20km) : Saint-Fraimbault - ville fleurie 4* (22km) : Saint-Loup-du-Gast - ville fleurie 4* (22km) : Sassy - remarkable garden (34km) : Parc et jardin de Clivoy - remarkable garden (49km) :

See more places and a map at places near Bagnoles de l'Orne